District Leadership for Racial Equity: Lessons from School Systems That Are Closing the Gap

District Leadership for Racial Equity shows how transformative changes can occur across diverse districts when leaders take purposeful action in support of racial equity.

Developed as part of the Racial Equity Leadership Network initiative led by Southern Education Foundation, this collection provides an opportunity for leaders to learn from district reform efforts that have reduced disparities and improved outcomes for students of color across unique contexts. The cases presented acknowledge the challenges leaders face, but they also demonstrate that change is possible when leaders build will and capacity to support successful student outcomes. It examines the cases of racial equity leaders across four districts who have developed approaches that create new opportunities and outcomes for students who have been historically marginalized.

District Leadership for Racial Equity is an essential resource for emerging leaders, leader practitioners, and policymakers who are committed to reducing disparities and improving outcomes for all students, especially those who are marginalized and underserved in our schools and society.

Larkin Willis is a Researcher and Policy Associate at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.

Desiree Carver-Thomas is a Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.

Linda Darling-Hammond is Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, and President and CEO at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.